not see how I shall support you." "Then, mother, I will go to sea," he
replied. His mother was loth to part with Johnny, for he was a good son
and was very kind to her. But she at last consented on his going to sea.

John began to make preparations. One day he went down to the beach
hoping to find a chance among some of the captains to sail. He went to
the owner of one and asked if he wanted a boy. "No," he abruptly
replied, "I have boys enough." He tried a second but without success.
John now began to weep. After some time he saw on the quay the captain
of a trading vessel to St. Petersburg, and John asked him if "a boy was
wanted." "Oh, yes," said the captain, "but I never take a boy or a man
without a character." John had a Testament among his things, which he
took out and said to the captain, "I suppose this won't do." The captain
took it, and on opening the first page, saw written, "_John Read, given
as a reward for his good behavior and diligence in learning, at the
Sabbath School_." The captain said, "Yes, my boy, this will do; I would
rather have this recommendation than any other," adding, "you may go on
board directly." John's heart leaped for joy, as, with his bundle under
his arm, he jumped on board the vessel.

The vessel was soon under weigh, and for some time the sky was bright,
and the wind was fair. When they reached the Baltic Sea a storm came on,
the wind raged furiously, all hands were employed to save the vessel.
But the storm increased, and the captain thought all would be lost.
While things were in this state the little sailor boy was missing. One
of the crew told the captain he was down in the cabin. When sent for he
came up with his Testament in his hand and asked the captain if he might
read. His request was granted. He then knelt down and read the sixtieth
and sixty-first Psalms. While he was reading the wind began to abate,
(the storms in the Baltic abate as suddenly as they come on.) The